Tributes paid to renowned Limerick poet Gabriel Rosenstock

Tributes paid to renowned Limerick poet Gabriel Rosenstock

Tributes have been paid to Kilfinane poet, Gabriel Rosenstock, following the sad news of his passing

The arts community in Limerick, Ireland, and beyond is in mourning following the sad news of the passing of Kilfinane poet, Gabriel Rosenstock, with Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, leading tributes for the late Limerick man.

A champion of the Irish language, Gabriel Rosenstock, was born in Kilfinane, County Limerick in September 1949. Rosenstock studied at University College Cork, where he associated with the Innti group of poets. The group spearheaded a literary movement of poets writing modern literature in Irish and was also associated with a literary journal of the same name, of which Rosenstock was a founding member. He is credited with involvement in more than 180 books through his poetry, essays, and translations.

Uachtarán Catherine Connolly said, “May I join with all those who have expressed such sadness on learning of the death of the poet, translator, playwright and writer of so many different forms Gabriel Rosenstock. Those titles alone could never capture the extent of the contribution which Gabriel made over the course of his life.”

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The President noted Rosenstock’s contribution to the Irish language, saying he leaves “not only a broad body of his own work, but also a remarkably diverse set of translations, through which he brought so many of the great writers of the world to the Irish language”.

She added, “His writing has been enjoyed, and will continue to be enjoyed, by people of all ages, while his translations will continue to ensure an engagement between our language and so many of the other cultures of the world. In recent weeks, Gabriel has made a further great and moving contribution in sharing his experiences of illness and his contemplations of life and death with the public.”

Council has expressed its sadness at the recent death of renowned poet, writer and Aosdána member, Gabriel Rosenstock.

Rosenstock was a Lineage Holder of Celtic Buddhism, Former Chairman Poetry Ireland/Éigse Éireann, Corresponding Member Hellenic Authors’ Society, Member of Board of Advisors to Poetry India, Honorary Life Member Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association, Honorary Member of the short-lived European Haiku Society. He taught haiku at the Schule für Dichtung (Poetry Academy), Vienna, and Hyderabad Literary Festival.

Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, paid tribute, saying, “Gabriel Rosenstock’s sad death is a great loss for Irish literature. His championship of the Irish language is particularly noteworthy, and he leaves behind an immense volume of work which will continue to inspire generations long into the future. Over the course of his distinguished career, Gabriel authored/translated over 180 books, mostly in Irish. He was also a poet, tankaist, playwright, haikuist, novelist and essayist. On behalf of the Arts Council, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, fellow members of Aosdána, and all those who were inspired by his work. Beannacht Dé lena anam.”

Poetry Ireland/ Éigse Éireann said, “A poet, writer, essayist, translator and true champion of the Irish language, his poetry carried a particularly unique wisdom, wit, and mysticism that bridged cultures and people. Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann were fortunate to have Gabriel contribute in many ways to our organisation, from his time as Chairman some years ago, to his ongoing contributions to Poetry Ireland Review and kind support for fellow poets.

“In more recent times we have been particularly thankful to have Gabriel judge the Duais Bashō competition for post-primary students, where his expertise has guided the next generation of Irish language Haikuists. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gabriel’s wife, Eithne and family; in particular to his son Tristan – our Poetry Ireland board member; his wide circle of friends and colleagues; and all who were touched by his words.”